JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 3
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
The Holy Ghost has been given to us to show the excellency of the power of God and what power God has. We must understand all these things are done by the Power of God not by our works. The power of the Holy Ghost in us will give us all we need to fight our battles, but we must be sold out to Jesus Christ. We are troubled on every side, persecuted, but not forsaken. Jesus Christ will always be with us on every side to help us in everyday life.
Love💛
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NLT)
What a display of LOVE. No matter the circumstances they faced, it was important to get the gospel of Christ to a lost world. Selfless love, true servant of Christ indeed. This journey in life is not about my wants and desires, it all truly ends withHIS KINGDOM, to preach HIS word, in everyday living.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (II Corinthians 4:16-17 NKJV)
If we live for Christ then the day we die is to gain eternal paradise with him in heaven. We may seem weak and hopeless here but if we Stay faithful to God the reward is worth it all. The hard times now is nothing compared to what he has for us in heaven.
Verses 13-15 MSG “We’re not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, “I believed it, so I said it,” we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!” Talk about MORE…..Let’s really start talking about IT….we cannot keep quiet…MORE grace, MORE people and MORE praise!
18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
If we focus on the chaos going on around us, we will become confused and despondent. We have to remind ourselves that all of this is temporary. God has prepared a place for us that we can’t see yet, but by Faith we know is waiting for us.
1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
More Death = More Light
2 Corinthians 4:11 (New Living Translation – NLT)
11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (New Living Translation – NLT)
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.* This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
The apostle continued to preach the gospel despite great opposition. He was greatly persecuted but knew his purpose outweighed his pain. He also knew that letting the light of Jesus shine into a dark world was more important than his own physical safety.
We live in a world where religious persecution has grown, and islam extremists promote death to anyone who names Christ. The homosexual agenda steadily passes laws trying to criminalize believing in scripture. A twisted form of Tolerance has become the new norm because the devil has blinded the eyes.
More than ever the church needs to face death in the face and boldly shine the light of Jesus! As Paul said
2 Corinthians 4:14 (New Living Translation – NLT)
14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you.
By facing death daily, and keeping our focus on eternity and his kingdom we become so heavenly minded that we do the most earthly good. 🙂
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
RENEW’, v.t. L. renovo; re and novo, or re and new.
1. To renovate; to restore to a former state, or to a good state, after decay or depravation; to rebuild; to repair.
2. To re-establish; to confirm.
3. To make again; as, to renew a treaty or covenant.
4. To repeat; as, to renew expressions of friendship; to renew a promise; to renew an attempt.
5. To revive; as, to renew the glories of an ancestor or of a former age.
6. To begin again.
7. To make new; to make fresh or vigorous; as, to renew youth; to renew strength; to renew the face of the earth.
8. In theology, to make new; to renovate; to transform; to change from natural enmity to the love of God and his law; to implant holy affections in the heart; to regenerate.
LOVE MY GOD FOR HE RENEWS ME EVERY DAY WITH HIS LOVE, MERCY, AND GRACE!!!!!
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Our focus is not on our present circumstances. They will come and go, temporary. Rather our eyes should be focused on the eternal, the things we see by faith.
MORE GLORY
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
The encouraging words of the apostle Paul are inspiring in many ways to persevere beyond any and every trial that could possibly challenge us. The revelation and lifestyle of “for all things are for your sakes”. As problems and challenges arise in our lives, it is important to remember that all things are for HIS (JESUS) sake.
No problems = No GLORY
How we may obtain MORE GLORY
NLT
13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”[c] 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
As GOD’s GRACE (Favor, Love, Life) reached MORE and MORE people then GOD receives MORE and MORE GLORY
MORE people (outreach, revival, harvest) = MORE GLORY
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iReach
iGive
iReap
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
When we die in the flesh, letting our earthly and carnal thinking rot out of us, it allows God’s spirirt to come alive in us and it allows us to see what God sees and hear what God hears. For without the spirit we are guided by carnal tendencies which only leads to sin.
Baptism is the start of us dying to own ourselves, but it is also we must do every day, letting the spirit renew us but reading the word and praying to God every day.
13-15 We’re not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, “I believed it, so I said it,” we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
MORE God = MORE Grace = MORE People = MORE Praise = MORE God
It’s a recipe, the more we seek God, the more grace we will have on our lives, the more grace on our lives the better witness we will be for others around us, when more of our friends and families our saved it results in more praise, and more praise can only lead to more God, which repeats it’s self. Praise God for the simplicity!
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
In death there is life, not only for ourselves but for the lost also. We are not dying for our own benefit but for those that are lost, that they would see the sacrifice, the fruit… so that they would see Jesus.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Sometimes, it may seem that we are the only ones going through a certain trial. Has the Lord forsaken me? Why is this battle so hard? It seems to be more than I can handle. However, we must remember the Lord loves us. We must allow our children to make mistakes. We will not allow them to play in traffic but we might allow them to play with rocks that are too heavy for play. We would warn them those rocks may not be the best option for play things. Some children will take the warning and find another object to play with. Other children (my children) will take on those rocks to prove they can and prove me wrong about their abilities.
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:6-18 NLT)
God is always there helping us receive MORE of him and to show the world MORE of him. I don’t want to be caught up in the things of this world because they don’t matter, what matters is showing the world about God and continue to have Him in our lives. He has done so much for us, He deserves all the glory and honor! God thank you for not crushing me or giving up on me….You saw me and knew there was MORE to be done. Thank you God for using me and continuing to mold me into something MORE! I want MORE!!!
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Death is a hard pill to swallow. But we must understand that death here on earth means life everlasting for those who are ready and prepared. Although it brings pain to those left behind, the peace of eternity together brings great consolation. This light affliction is just for a season. We can take comfort in His Word!
iLove to eat More Word
More People=More Glory for God
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NLT) All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches “more and more people”, there will be great thanksgiving, and “God will receive more and more glory”.
Grace in this particular verse, is the greek word “Charis”. This word charis means graciousness; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.
God is greatly exalted and glorified as more grace influences more people.
What brings God the Glory?
It’s not the crowd of people that brings God Glory, But it is the reflection of Himself in the crowd of people that brings him the glory. His influence in the hearts of the people and the decrease of the influence of the evil one is what brings the cloud into the midst of the church.
6 Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.
17 For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],
18 Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting. AMP
What a good reminder! Trials and tribulation are fleeting in the scope of things. In the trial, we think it will never end or never work itself out, but this reminder helps us to focus past that trial and look to the victory that is on it’s way. We have an expected end with the Lord, so we must use our faith along with praise till that victory comes!
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Amen! So many false gods have blinded the people from seeing the truth and the light. People are so caught up on their future here on Earth that they forget to take care of what will happen when they die. Not everybodys going to heaven like most people think. The devil has so many bonded with the fear in not thinking in where they will spend eternal life at!! Before I came to this church I was so caught up on the things of this world that I would not even have a burden for the lost! I was just living with no purpose! Yes I had heard on how were suppose to be the light on the salt of this Earth but I never put it into action till I came to POFW! I was blinded but now I see!!! I am so grateful that God has put me and my family here at POFW! He has given us the breathe of life that I had always been looking and desiring for! I was a survivor but now I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!! 🙂 Thank you Jesus for letting me part of this 🙂 MORE HUNGER!!!!!
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, winch is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal day of glory.
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things winch are seen are temporal; but the things winch are not seen are eternal.
These verses show me why it is important to seek Him in prayer and through His Word. He is my inner battery that drives me and keeps me going because my flesh is week and gets tired, but His Spirit gives strength and hunger to want more. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith , not by sight. We have a much higher goal and calling and purpose here on earth. Every time people ask us why do you go to church so much or spend a lot time at church, its an opportunity for us to witness to them what God does and how great His power and mercy is.
1, “Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.” (NLT)
1, “Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.” (MSG)
NLT of 13-16
13, “But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, I believed in God, so I spoke.”
14, “We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you.”
15, “All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.”
16, “This is why we never give up …”
We can NEVER give up, nor throw up our hands and walk off the job just because of an occasional hardship. We are the servants of the Lord, and we need to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. They are dependant on us.
The MORE and MORE people that God’s Grace reaches, The MORE and MORE Thanksgiving there will be, and Then God will receive MORE and MORE Glory.
MORE of God’s Grace!
MORE Thanksgiving!
MORE Glory to God!
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
We need that fresh anointing from God everyday. That refreshing is what helps us make it through our day. The enemy will try to attack you every chance he gets. His goal is to bring you down as quickly as possible. Greater is he that is within us. This is why it is important for us to continue to put our trust in God.
Eternal !!!!! 15. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Rom.7 : 22 17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. YOU JESUS ARE HIGH AND LIFTED UP IN MY HEART !!!!! I HAVE VICTORY !!!!
It was God’s LOVE that provoked Paul and it is the same that provokes us to shed a light in people’s hearts by pulling them to Jesus. It is because of His great love and mercy that I am here today, that we have any hope.
When Esther rises up as queen and the Jews are endangered, Mordecai reminds her saying,
“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
We have not received the Gospel for our own sake but for Jesus’ sake, not for ourselves. Our positioning enables us to work for the Lord but we must forget that He does not NEED us to extend His mercy upon the world, just as He did not need Esther to save the Jews for in the end it was God who received the glory of their deliverance just as He will receive the glory always.
must not forget**
Prayer for the lost
2Cor. 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Satan has blinded the eyes of non believers. People who do not have Christ are looking through a foggy lens and trying to read about truth. It can’t be done. Their perception must be cleansed by Christ and we aid in this with prayer, fasting, and teaching the word. We can’t get upset because of the ignorance of sinners. The glory of God must shine revelation in their minds and draw them to a place of repentance.
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
How far faith took us.
When we don’t see something. We must have faith that it’s there. What ever we see as this scripture states is temporal. Which means it will all go away. But what is eternal will always be there. This is why we must have faith. Faith is the hope of something there that we don’t see. We have faith in God because we cannot see him. But we see what he can do. Faith can take is to greater depths in God.
1 Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.
2 We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God MSG
when things start going wrong don’t throw in the towel, get back up and prove to yourself and to all that think you are going to stay down that you are back up. We are gonna have hard days but that just means we keep going. Keep your head held high and keep on going! What’s that saying I read somewhere: I want the devil to know that when my feet hit the floor the devil says oh no she’s up and at ’em again!!
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Praise God……………..GRACE……………………….
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Our inner man being renewed day by day, Amen………….in Jesus’s Name, Amen.
Hallelujah…………………………………………………….
This world needs us to be committed servants of God, to be bearers of His word and proclaiming and teaching it to them. We must allow God to shine through us and use us for His glory and His kingdom.
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” They had been through much and they had made up their mind. Life is a test and full of choices, which will determine one’s eternity. For as sure as there is an eternity of peace, love and happiness with Jesus (God) there is also an eternity of suffering, crying and torture with the deceiver (satan). However one should thank God, for as long as one has breath than one can make the right choice, which begins with repentance. What a mighty God we serve! Thank God for his word. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done”. God bless America, Jerusalem, and you all in Jesus name, Amen!
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Father as we interceded- stand in the gap- for our region remove the blinders from the minds of the people. May the light of the gospel shine in them. Father, cause the windows of their understand to be open to Your word that Your word would fall on good ground within them.
All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. (2 Corinthians 4:15 NLT)
2 Corinthians 4:15The Message (MSG)
13-15 We’re not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, “I believed it, so I said it,” we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
More grace, more people, & more praise.
God has more for you and for me!
v 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not us.
Thank you JESUS for breathing life into us. We should have been destroyed but because of HIS MERCY AND GRACE GOD chose the heart of mankind as a place where HIS SPIRIT HIS most precious gift to mankind.
MORE OF HIS PRESENCE
More purpose
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:5-10 KJV)
This is why we do what we do. We are to gather people and show rhem the love of God. Along the way we will have challenges, but God will always be with us.
More Vision
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
To truly have the more that God has in store for us, we must set our gaze past the natural and into the supernatural. Vision that can be contained within the earth is much too small for what God has in store which has its roots in the heavenlies. It is not that our realm touches God’s kingdom but that the kingdom of heaven is expanded on earth and in us.
Hebrews 11:10, 13-16
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
…
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Can you see the big picture? There is a vision that God gives and greater things that The Lord is trying to accomplish through the church saints. Sometimes we can’t see clearly and ask why am I in this place or situation? There is where we should take a moment to meditate and prayerfully ask God to reveal what are you trying to reveal to me? The things that we see are but for a short while. Jesus has a plan for eternity. Can you see yourself as Jesus sees you? We should be encouraged that with Him it’s more. Focus on the thinks that cannot be seen. Thy kingdom come and thy will be done Jesus.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-13 NLT)
God believed in me even in my worst days. It is my responsibility through the good and the bad to believe in God, to believe in His word and to instruct others. Just as God was persecuted so will we. We must stand in honor of the king of kings and the lord of lords. He believed in me, I believe in Him.
But if our gospel be hid. It is hid to those who are lost.
It has to be in our heart at ALL times to be seen. We have the choice.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God., and not of us. II Cor. 4:7
Earthen vessels: In the wilderness under the Old covenant, God’s presence dwelt in a tent. Today He dwells in the believer’s heart. This is unspeakable truth and forms a theological basis for holy living 1st Corinthians 6:19, 20
But the stress here is on earthen. An earthenware jar is brittle. It depicts humanity and its weakness. The gospel is not a product of human genius or clever intellect (humanity in its strength. )Yet it resides in men of clay, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
When we feel like we are lost in the darkness, that no one can see us, that no one wants to find us. Stop and pray, for that is the deceiver placing the thought and our flesh allowing it to enter. For God “hath shined in our hearts” !!!! God sees us! For God shined in our hearts like a lantern, showing us the path He has made for us!
When we give in to the deceivers plan, its not that we are in the dark…. no we are not in the dark, we just closed our eyes.
Open your eyes and see Gods path, Gods plan!
2 Corinthians 4:5 For what we preach is not ourselves butJesus Christa’s Lord and ourselves as servants forJesus sake.for God who said Let light shine outofdrakness made his light shine in out hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
15) For all things are for your sakes , that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound the glory of God.
16)For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Amen